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I'm not one to scream into the void, but why is Pat McAfee being forced into this Cody vs. Randy story?
We are told it was an edict that came from high above in TKO. We are told that the edict came down about three weeks ago, but they were trying very hard to keep it quiet. The general belief among those we spoke with is that it was a bone for ESPN since Pat is a big part of their platform and WWE has Wrestlemania on ESPN platforms this year. There's been rumblings that the alliance between the two sides hasn't exactly been the smoothest process - ESPN wanting subscriber #s while WWE hasn't seen ESPN get their Unlimited streaming service made available across all cable and satellite subscribers as has been the plan - so this looks to have been a move to try and strengthen the alliance. McAfee is obviously well liked in WWE, but I would agree it's a weird decision that feels forced upon the story. McAfee rantings about how bad the company is compared to the past, basically, isn't a great look, either. It absolutely felt last night like they had halted the momentum of the showdown between Randy and Cody, but we'll see if that stands going forward.
They keep referring to Brock vs. Oba as a main event, so could the McAfee thing mean they are going to open with Randy vs. Cody on ESPN for free and then close Night One with Brock?
I haven't heard that to be the plan, but certainly, anything is possible. They will pivot as to what their management thinks is best.
What is wrong with this company? In Los Angeles, they changed the finish so Cody didn't beat Reigns late in the game. In Philly, they were going to take Cody out of the main event for Reigns vs. Rock before the fans revolted. In Vegas last year, they killed Cody's reign for a Cena-Rock-Travis Scott alliance that disappeared quicker than Vade Hansen. Now this? Why does this company constantly stomp on its own head?
First of all, 2 points for the Vade Hansen reference. As far as the booking of Cody, we can argue the loss in Los Angeles made his win a year later much grander, but you also point out the actual plan was for him to not even wrestle Reigns after Rock and TKO made the original edict to change plans that year. I don't think any of this is an indictment on Cody personally, as they know what money he generates as much as its the parent company trying to do what they think is best for their long-term relationships - whether that was The Rock, ESPN, or whoever. I think the ticket sales lagging this year didn't help any argument that they should just stay the course. One can argue they shoud have faith in Cody, but I'm sure the company would argue back that they show they have it.
Did Cody really threaten to quit?
No, I'm sure that was him playing into the storyline, although the consensus among those I've spoken with is there was a shoot element to his verbiage. He's under contract, but I am also sure that if he was a free agent, Tony Khan would bend over backwards to bring Rhodes back into the fold. I also think, however, that a lot of the anger in Rhodes' voice could have stemmed from frustration in the pivot.
Did Pat McAfee saying he'd leave WWE if Orton lose telegraph the finish?
Likely but not 100%.
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